The US state department has warned Congress it expects a damaging release of sensitive diplomatic documents by the WikiLeaks anti-secrecy website.

The department said the release may create tensions with other governments.

Congressional committees were notified of the likelihood of a damaging release of diplomatic cables in coming days, a spokesman said.

The Pentagon has also told the US Senate and House armed services committees that the New York Times, the Guardian and Der Spiegel "are each currently working with WikiLeaks to co-ordinate the release of the documents".